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No one likes a bully. No one respects a bully. But, I think we have two bullies in the White House. One is elected (the president), one is not (Elon Musk). A bully uses perceived power to intimidate and coerce others based on fear and threats of harm.
The two have instilled fear in federal employees. How can workers do a good job when they could be fired at any moment without cause? Musk has demanded, without legal authority, access to personal information for millions of U.S. citizens. A temporary freeze on $2 to $3 trillion of federal spending has deserving businesses and organizations afraid they will get no federal funding in the future.
They are intimidating other countries by threatening tariffs and withholding foreign aid. They have demanded concessions from states before providing disaster relief. Many fear that any statements against the current administration will be used against them, the kind of fear found primarily in dictatorships.
The best way to get rid of bullies is to say “no” loudly and to refuse to go along with them in any way. Know you have power and use that power with others to not cooperate with their demands. Laugh at them, or walk away. Tell Congress to get rid of them, since they are hurting federal employees, working people, and the entire country.
We need more democracy here, not kings or dictators.
Larry Dansinger
Bangor
